Newcastle United are yet to follow up on previous interest in James Trafford, with the England international now starting his holiday after the World Cup. Whether Newcastle have completely cooled their stance on the ex-Burnley shot-stopper - due to Manchester City's £50m demands - remains to be seen.
No Recent Discussions
But the 23-year-old's name has not been brought up in discussions on targets this week, according to well-placed sources at St James' Park. City sources also suggest that no contact has followed in the days since England returned from the United States after their World Cup campaign.
Pope Remains First Choice
As things stand, Newcastle are ready to kick off pre-season with Nick Pope as first choice, with the stopper handed his number 1 shirt ahead of the new campaign, with Ewen Jaouen providing strong competition as back-up. Newcastle have been working with long-serving squad keeper Mark Gillespie as usual behind the scenes, but an incoming squad keeper may still be on the cards.
Pope won his place back last season after being dropped for a clanger in the home game with Everton, and he got an unofficial vote of confidence when Newcastle opted against signing Aaron Ramsdale on a permanent deal after he was sent back to his parent club, Southampton.
Other Interest in Trafford
Trafford has been linked with Aston Villa, Leeds and Juventus and his future is being dealt with by family members rather than his agent. Newcastle tried to sign Trafford last summer but were gazumped by City who triggered a buyback clause at the 11th hour. Back then they paid £27m and handed Trafford a five-year deal but just one year into that arrangement, and after City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain for £26m and he was installed as number 1.
Other Goalkeeping Options
Newcastle were also offered Zion Suzuki two weeks ago from Parma but so far the Magpies have not placed an official bid for the Japan international. Pope has just one year left of his current deal with no new offer on the table, but despite talk of a move to Ipswich Town, he has remained on Tyneside.
